Anti Aging Skin Care Tips For Younger Looking Skin

We all have seen the the large selection of anti-aging skin care products in the marketplace and it is sometimes hard to figure out which ones would best fit our personal skin care needs.

Instead of spending your hard earned money ( and we all know that money is a bit tight right now) trying every product on the market, you can begin to narrow it down so that you can find a good anti-aging skin product for you the first time around (or at least the second - remember - if for any reason you don't like a product you can request a refund)

Here are a few tips for help in choosing the right anti aging product or products for your skin.

1. Get to know your skin type first.
You can do this by visiting a dermatologist or by doing your own self-test.
Getting to know your skin type is very important because this will determine which types of products and ingredients are best for your skin type.

With just a small exception, skin types fall into just a few simple categories; normal, dry, oily, sensitive, and what is called a combination skin type. When looking at products try to find a product that is made specifically for your skin type or one that closest fits it.

You don't want to use a product that was specifically made for oily skin, if you have dry skin, since it would dry out your skin and make the aging line more pronounced. And if you have a combination skin type, ask yourself do you have more dry skin or oily. Usually it's dry skin so there is a good chance that a dry skin or normal skin product would work for you. Combination skin types usually have oily skin on the forehead, nose and chin and dry skin on the rest of the face & neck.

2. Choose anti-aging products that contain soluble Vitamins A, C, and E.
When choosing any anti-aging product, it is best that they contain water-based Vitamin A, C, and E because these are effective ingredients that can help reduce ( rememeber that they reduce, not eliminate) the signs of aging such as wrinkles, crow's feet (laugh lines) and other fine lines. Why water based? Mainly due to the fact that most anti aging skin products are water based and also a water based vitamin is more easily absorbed by the skin. Now just because a tiny bit may get absorbed, don't think that this is a way to get your daily vitamins - it's not.

3. Look to see if your anti-aging product has antioxidants and/or anti-inflammatory ingredients.
Consider choosing products that contain the antioxidants for the skin such as Ascorbyl Acid or Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin A or beta carotene because these can help you to achieve firm and younger looking, more glowing skin Yes, you did see a few of the same vitamins listed in this section. This just shows you how important they are.

4. Look for anti-aging cleansing products that contain fine crystals, minuscule beads or "pulverized sand".
Fine crystals or micro-spheres can help exfoliate the skin as they removed dead skin cells that contribute to your skin looking dull and lifeless.

5. Remember to use anti aging products on all sun and weather exposed areas of the body.
It has been said that the first signs of aging appears on the back of the hands. So take a look at your hands, elbows and knees and see if they could use a bit of anti aging "love"

I first got intrigued with LifeCell after seeing an ad for free anti-aging beauty tips (you can get the same tips by clicking on the banner below)you see I've spent all my summers at the beach and my skin was showing not only the lines and wrinkles of someone who lived to sun bathe, but "age" spots and a dull appearance.

Of, coarse I was using several targeted cremes and lotions, one for each part of my face but I knew there had to be an easier, better and less expensive way to look better.

Not only did it take me 15 minutes every night and morning applying something different to each part of my face, but once you add up $40 to temporarily reduce the frown lines, $65 to get rid of the dull look, $35 for the above eye serum and $25 for below the eye cream it was costing me a small fortune (try adding up all your cremes). There had to be a better way!

Although I found LifeCell skin cream much more expensive than the other skin creams that I was used to, I figured that if I could eliminate all the others creams and just use one, in the long run it would be worth it.

With LifeCell slin cream you only use a small amount (about the size of a dime) so the tube does go a long way and I do have to admit that I like what I see when I look at my skin.

It feels softer, looks brighter and I'm impressed. You would never know that I was a sun worshiper for most of my life.

Imagine being able to use just 1 creme, having just 1 product in the bathroom cabinet (it use to drive my husband nuts seeing all my jars and tubes) and traveling with 1 product is so much easier.

Learn More About LifeCell Skin Cream By Clicking Here

I am an affiliate of LifeCell Skin Cream and if you purchase I will receive a commission. However, the picture shown is of my personal tube & box that I paid full price for. I became an affiliate after using the product & being a satisfied customer.

Wrinkling and looking older are two of the most talked about health issues in magazines and forums (besides weight loss).

Our modern and age focused society lets men age gracefully and many say that men look better with a touch of gray and a few rugged, weathered and manly lines.

Many men are said to look more handsome with several deep facial lines, while women often stress over their first tiny line.

Just think about celebrities for one moment. As men get older they still get good acting parts playing a sexy leading man.
However, when a woman starts to show her age, she rarely gets a good part similar to one a man would get simply due to her age.

Set in wrinkling of the skin is caused by many different factors including the four listed below:

1. Facial expressions - It may look cute to wrinkle up your nose when your younger,but as you age you will begin to see a line right above the bridge of your nose.

Remember when your Mom would say that if you made a funny face that it would stay that way? Well she wasn't 100% correct but she was close. Those constant faces could set you up for wrinkles later on in life.

For example frowning is an example of a facial expression that can add two lines in between the brows and laugh lines - well don't stop laughing, but do try to have less of an exaggerated look when you do laugh.

2. The natural aging process - By age 30 ( some same by the age 24), the regeneration process of the skin and body slow down in general. This is when we start to see tiny lines and furrows and with age the lines begin to deepen and widen.

For middle-aged women, menopause plays important roles in the elasticity of the skin. When the supply of estrogen slows down you begin to see an increase in the aging of your skin. Once estrogen production stops, the skin gets thinner, losing the plump look making it appear more wrinkled and dry.

3. Ultra violet rays -Sunlight is generally harmful to our skin. Long term exposure can cause malignant melanoma, which is a form of skin cancer ( and from which I had but fortunately was caught early enough and did not need chemotherapy).

This is the worst consequence of sun exposure and from one who has had it let me tell you that it scares the crap out of you.

Nothing worse than hearing your doctor tell you that you have a dangerous form of cancer. And before you ask - yes, I was a sun worshiper.
No sun block can really eliminate the toll of aging of the skin through sun damage.

4. Poor diet - eating a low quality and low nutrient diet can affect the way your skin looks and feels. This includes fad dieting, lack of fresh fruit and veggies, consumption of too much sugar and "junk food".

Ever notice that when you start eating many sweets and treats around the holidays your skin just doesn't look that great? Some o fit has to do with staying up late and stress but also a good portion has to do with the way you are eating.
You must also remember, that someone can be malnourished even if they are over weight. It's not the quantity of food that counts but the quality.

And yes, the way your skin will look as you age will also be determined by your DNA. Although you can't change your genes, you can make every other effort to keep your skin looking its best.

One quick little fact...if you live in a humid climate at sea level your skin will look much younger on average than someone who lives in a dry climate or one that is at a high altitude. That's one reason why the women in Hawaii, although they are in the sun a lot, will fair up better as they age compared to someone who live in Nevada.

Want to help your body age as slowly as possible and hold on to its youthful look for as long as possible?

There are many books, diets and programs that delve deeply into life extension and living as long as possible. If this is a subject that interests you, I suggest that you read a few of these and determine yourself what is right for you.

In this section, you will find just a few simple tips - nothing in huge detail.

Sure you may not be able to move to a city that has clean air and a bit of humidity and afford the freshest more organic foods to keep your skin looking your. You also can't change your DNA, you can however, do a few things that can help to prolong your youthful glow.

1. Many studies show that physical activity can help your body to stay strong. Did you know that sweating helps the body to eliminate bacteria, toxins and dirt within your pores? This is the reason you should bring a towel to the gym or while jogging so it can be wiped off.
This is also a good time to wash your face thoroughly as you can really get a deep down clean.

2. The human body just like our planet is composed mainly of water. Every time we breathe or move water gets used and eliminated as urine, sweat and moisture as you exhale. This is the reason why experts say to drink at least 8 glasses a day as you lose several pints just by exhaling. Although drinking plenty of water is good for your body in general, it is especially good for your skin.

3. Exercising regularly isn't enough to help with keeping away aging if you don't try to eat right and improve your diet.
Remember - fresh - fresh - fresh as much as possible.

4. We have always heard health experts say that people should get at least 8 hours of sleep. I know that this may be hard but it really is necessary so that the body can help to repair itself. The body repairs when you are sleeping so with too little sleep you body is never quite as good as it could be.

5. Stress contributes to aging and the best way to control it is by being organized. You can jot things down on note pads instead of remembering important details in the head. There are many different types of stress that you may not be able to control but if you can begin to learn how to organize plans and details, then you can often work through a problem. Some find that mediation and yoga also helps
Don't forget that exercise is a great stress reducer so get out there and move your body.

Remember too to dress your age. You don't look any younger if you dress like a twenty something if you are 40, it's actually quite the opposite. You will look older.

Here is a bit of trivia that you may not know.
When a person is in their teens up until their early 40's they look older if they are over weight compared to someone who is at their weight or under weight.

However once we hit our 40's, someone who is 5-10 pounds over weight looks younger than someone who is at their recommended weight or under weight.

Just as with death and taxes - getting older, feeling older, and looking older is a fact of life for everyone.

Now you can either take care of your skin, mind and body and look your best so that you then can add in a few anti-aging skin care products for the finishing touch.

Anti aging skin care products are good but they are not miracle workers - you need a good foundation to begin with.

Or on the other hand you can totally freak about getting older, stress every time you look in the mirror and get older looking due to the stress.

I prefer to take the first route. I know that everyday I am getting older and I know that every day I will continue to get older.
However, I enjoy each and every day and don't freak every time I see a new line or "age spot". Ok, I did when I was in my late 20's, but now when I look back of photos of me at that time I wonder - what was I thinking - mt skin looked good.

Sure I do what I can and I must admit that I would love it if my skin looked like it did when I was in my twenties - but I know that is not going to happen so I accept it.
When asked, I proudly give my age (no, your still not going to get my weight) and enjoy the benefits of getting older.

Age is a state of mind!

This is the reason why there are people who in their 80s are still in their prime, able to work full time jobs and still have quick & minds, sometimes even sharper than those who are in their 50s or 60s. However, there are also those in their 80s that are very forgetful and are inactive and find it hard to get around.
We are talking about healthy older people, not an elderly person who has an illness that prohibits them from getting around - there is a big difference between the two.
Sure genetics does have a role in all of this but it's not quite as important as it was first thought.

In a study conducted by the John and Catherine MacArthur Foundation, it seems that the genes only make up a small part of a person's aging process. The rest depends on the way the person sees the world around them and their outlook on life.

Below are some of the things that you can do to help yourself feel and look younger longer.

1. Try to be active
One common mistake people make is that they often associate old age with inactivity. They want to retire so that they can kick back and do nothing. Wrong attitude.
The more active a person is, the better he or she will age because activity and exercise will build muscles and strengthen the bones.
Just think about the theory of use or lose.
Sure you may not be able to do what you did 10 years ago, but the more active you are the better.
Some of us may have illnesses that may prohibit some types of exercise, but just moving a bit more can make a world of difference and it will also help you sleep better and older people often don't have a good sound sleep.

2. Work your mind
One trick to avoid having memory issues or or problems with being forgetful is to engage in mental activities. Do the daily crossword puzzle, read the newspaper everyday, keep yourself up to date with the latest news in the country, take up a new hobby, learn - learn - learn.
Also keep young thoughts. If you grew up with the music of the 50's, sure you can listen to that genre, but also listen to today's music. Even if you can't wear the latest styles, keep up on trends, follow the latest American Idol gossip - keep involved with today's world - don't be stuck in the past.

3. Create a purpose for living
Another secret to aging well is to have a purpose in life. Find something to do with your time whether it is a hobby that you have done in the past or a new hobby that you have been wanting to try for years. Keep busy, volunteer if you can or maybe even hold a part time job. Just keep your mind and body active and moving. Gardening is a wonderful hobby and if you can't bend down low you can always use pots. If you grow some fruits and veggies, you will also have fresh food without having to go to the store.

Enjoy the benefits of getting older. And there are many -the more you look, the more you will find.

Cleansing is one of the most important parts of your skin care regimen.

If you don't cleanse your skin regularly waste and dirt will accumulate and it can block the pores and you will start to see acne, blackheads and have a dull and lifeless skin color. Yes, you can still get acne in your 70's and 80's.

Cleansing also stimulates the circulation of blood to the skin, which improves color and helps to moisturize.

Just like with the rest of your body blood brings nutrients to your skin and removes the waste and yucky stuff that can clog your skin's pores.

The best way to cleanse your face to use a rinse off facial cleanser and forget about body soap. Body soap is not meant to be used on your face.

Cleansing also gives a healthy glow to the surface of the skin. A high pH soap will dry the skin and it will lose some of its elasticity.

The skin's surface is mildly acidic, having a pH of around 5. Most soaps have a pH of well over 7, some as high as 10. Soaps with a high pH will both dry the skin and will also remove its protective layer.

The oil in the facial cleanser dissolves the oil on the face; the surfactants dissolve everything else; water washes the face clean. The best facial cleansers also contain natural botanical extracts to soothe, protect, nourish and moisturize the face. There are many good ones out in the marketplace today - just look for ones labeled for your face and not a body bar.

When choosing a facial cleanser, be sure to pick one that is appropriate for your skin type and condition ( we gave you some information about this at the top of this page)

Before cleansing your face be sure to wash your hands thoroughly otherwise you will simply be adding additional dirt from your hand on to your face. Splash your face generously with tepid to slightly warm water. Spread a nickel sized drop of facial cleanser into your palm or on a soft cotton wash cloth - I'll be honest I use way too much cleanser but I am trying to work on this.

When you use too much , you won't anything bad to your skin but you will be sending wasted money down the drain.

Using fingertips or washcloth, gently wash face using circular and upward motions. Wash face for approximately 30 seconds for dry skin, 60 seconds for normal skin and 90 seconds for oily skin. Then rinse and rinse again with tepid to slightly warm water.
Any residue left behind will have a drying effect unless you are using a product that allows you to leave some on your skin - Not sure about your product?
Just read the label.

Pat (do not rub) face dry with a clean towel. Follow by toning ( not 100% necessary but it does help, so if you have the time and can add a good skin toner use one) and moisturizing the face.
Perform this simple skin care regimen twice a day and you'll be happy with the positive difference it makes in your faces health and appearance.

Does the scent of vanilla remind you of grandma's kitchen?

Does the mention of chocolate give you the munchies?
Do you salivate for banana cream pies and sugary treats?
Don't worry about the diet - you CAN indulge recklessly when you use these delicious ingredients for the beauty of your skin!

When you are talking about eating giving in to your craving for sugary treats too often will not give you the lift you're looking for, but these calorie filled ingredients can improve the quality and tone of your skin means that you can have dessert anytime you want - guilt free. Whoopie!

What can these delightful ingredients do for your skin?
In this section you will read about home made moisturizers, scrubs and face masks. You can also find some of these in commercially made products, but these are much fresher.

SUGAR

Sugar makes an effective and sweet body scrub. Brown sugar mixed with a small amount of liquid glycerin or massage oil can be used all over the body. Apply the mixture using small, circular motions to rub it on. The sugar grains will gently remove dry, dead skin while the glycerin or massage oil will ease the application and keep skin soft and supple.
Why brown sugar? Although brown sugar does have a bit more nutrients than white sugar, it's the size of the crystals that makes brown work better.
You may have noticed that many companies have been adding sugar to their skin care products and charging a pretty for them. Why not add your own sugar and not just save money but also have a fresher and more natural product for your skin.

You can intensify the sweetness of your body scrub by adding a few drops of essential oils, like vanilla or lavender, for a sweet smelling and relaxing indulgence.

HONEY

Honey is a natural anti-bacterial agent. You can add a small amount of liquid soap or glycerin to a few tablespoons of honey for a gentle cleanser that kills bacteria.
Honey also makes an excellent base for a mask and can be used with all of these other ingredients to provide healing and cleansing properties to the formulations. A simple honey and oat cleanser (using fine ground or rolled oats) will both exfoliate and moisturize your skin at the same time.

I like to warm the honey a little bit so that it spreads easier. Just remember that if you do decide to warm it up a bit, just put a small amount in a cup or glass and place it into a larger container with warm water. Since you are going to be using such a small amount don't put it in the microwave as it will get too hot and will also cook, which you don't want to happen.

CHOCOLATE

Chocolate in it's sugary form may not be great for you for you to eat but real, dark cocoa is an excellent source of antioxidants. The caffeine in chocolate is also useful in detoxifying skin and has been used to fight cellulite ( this is still debatable) as well as purify skin.

Cocoa butter, which is the healthiest part of chocolate is a fantastic moisturizer and by adding a few drops of vanilla you can enjoy a calorie free treat, while the aromatherapy effects can actually curb your cravings!

VANILLA

Vanilla is one of the most popular scents for showering and bathing products. It's rich aroma is relaxing and it is also said to help with cravings. This is one reason why you may not feel as hungry when you wear fragrances that are heavy on the vanilla side.

Vanilla blends well with most other scents so when you are mixing your own body products, you can experiment easily with vanilla
Although some people may use vanilla extract, it is a much better idea to use real vanilla or vanilla oil which is meant to be used on the skin - such as an essential skin oil

BANANA

Bananas are naturally rich in vitamins, potassium and other skin beautifying nutrients. Nothing could be simpler (or cheaper) than mashing a banana and applying as a mask for softer, smoother skin.

Choose a banana that's ripened and soft (but not with black spots). Many times you can find bananas like these at a reduced cost at the store. Instead of passing them by, pick one up and give yourself a facial

Adding plain yogurt and honey will soothe sunburned skin and kill germs. If you have an allergy to bananas you should apply a test patch on your skin ( wait for 24 hours - just like when you are doing a skin test for hair dye) before applying to the entire face.

So go rummage through your cabinets and your refrigerator and instead of making a calorie rich fattening dessert, instead make your skin more beautiful.

You can improve the overall appearance of your slowly aging skin by supplying it with gentle, effective and protective anti aging skin care ingredients.

Every year new ingredients are found to help with the anti-aging skin process.
Here are a few of the most common ones that are used today.

Remember when we mentioned above about working your mind?
Do additional research and see what else you can find out.

When you use ingredients that help to protect and nourish your skin you are helping your skin cope with the aging process.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids: Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA's) are Mother nature's way of helping and caring for your aging skin.
AHA's occur naturally in manyl foods starting with citric acid (from citrus fruits), malic acid (from apples), tartaric acid (from grapes), lactic acid (from milk) and glycolic acid (from sugarcane).

AHA's work with your skin to naturally exfoliate it. When a product contains AHA's is doesn't need little scrubbers of crystals or grit as the acid itself does the exfoliation. Don't be frightened by the words acid - products with AHA's are normally gentle to the skin.

DMAE: DMAE is an amazing nutrient that extends the life of cells and inhibits the cross linking of proteins, which gives the skin a tone and firm appearance. Excellent for fine lines, you'll will often find DMAE in many cosmetics including foundations. Many people also may take DMAE as a supplement. However, like any other over the counter vitamin or supplement you should always check with your doctor first before taking it.

Shea Butter: Shea Butter is a soft solid and is from the natural fat obtained from the karite tree grown in west and central Africa.
Shea Butter is an emollient (an agent that softens and soothes the skin). It is extremely rich and creamy, helping to heal cracked, aged and damaged skin. It also has a nice fresh scent.
Shea Butter penetrates the skin leaving it feeling soft and smooth.

Glycerin: Glycerin is a soothing humectant that draws moisture from the air to the skin.
You can find glycerin in skin care products and it also can be purchased on it's own in a drug store or in the "first aid" section of your local store and is very inexpensive.

Jojoba Oil: Jojoba Oil comes from the nuts of the jojoba tree, usually grown in California, Arizona, Mexico and Israel.
Pronounced Ho-Ho-Ba, it contains protein, minerals and a waxy substance that imitates collagen.
Jojoba Oil is not greasy and absorbs right into the skin, moisturizing and protecting the skin. Although it is an oil, Jojoba when used in cosmetics should not clog your pores.

When choosing a skin care product, be sure it contains some or all of the anti aging skincare ingredients listed above.